Injury prevention tips for a safe snowmobile season

January 26, 2018

From December 2016 to date, there have been 19 snowmobile related crashes that were treated at London Health Sciences Centre. Less than half of these cases were wearing helmets.

Whether you ride a snowmobile to get around town or for recreation, the risks of operating a snowmobile are the same. Snowmobiling can be fun but it can also be very dangerous, especially for children. Many children are seriously injured each year, sometimes fatally, from operating or riding on a snowmobile. Of the above 19 snowmobile related crash cases treated at LHSC, three involved children who required care in the paediatric emergency department.

The theme of the safety week each year is “you make snowmobiling safe”. The following tips can help ensure that you are a safe rider.

Every rider should wear a snowmobile helmet on every trip

Drivers should have a valid driver’s license or a motorized snow vehicle license

Children under age six should not ride as passengers on snowmobiles

Children under the age of 16 should not drive a snowmobile

Ride on trails that enforce rules and promote safe driving

Be aware of your surroundings and use extra caution around any bodies of water

Never tow a person behind a snowmobile

Don’t drive while under the influence: impaired snowmobile driving carries the same penalties as operating a car while impaired